Survival statistics for testicular cancer

Survival statistics for testicular cancer are very general estimates and must be interpreted very carefully. Because these statistics are based on the experience of groups of men, they cannot be used to predict a particular man’s chances of survival.

There are many different ways to measure and report cancer survival statistics. Your doctor can explain the statistics for testicular cancer and what they mean to you.

Net survival

Net survival represents the probability of surviving cancer in the absence of other causes of death. It is used to give an estimate of the percentage of people who will survive their cancer.

In Canada, the 5-year net survival for testicular cancer is 96%. This means that, on average, about 96% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer will survive for at least 5 years.

Relative survival

Relative survival looks at how likely people with cancer are to survive after their diagnosis compared to people in the general population who do not have cancer but who share similar characteristics (such as age and sex).

Survival by stage

Testicular cancer often responds well to cancer treatments and has a very good outcome. Survival varies with each stage of testicular cancer. The following factors can also affect survival for testicular cancer. Generally, the earlier testicular cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

There are no specific Canadian statistics available for the different stages of testicular cancer. The following information comes from a variety of sources and may include statistics from other countries. Survival statistics for testicular cancer are grouped by where the cancer has spread.

Testicular cancer survival

Stage

5-year relative survival

localized

The cancer is only in the testicle.

99%

regional

The cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the testicle.

96%

distant

The cancer has spread to organs or lymph nodes farther from the testicle (such as the lungs).

74%

Questions about survival

Talk to your doctor about your prognosis. A prognosis depends on many factors, including:

your health history

the type of cancer

the stage

certain characteristics of the cancer

the treatments chosen

how the cancer responds to treatment

Only a doctor familiar with these factors can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.

Taking action against all cancers

The latest Canadian Cancer Statistics report found that of all newly diagnosed cancers in 2017, half are expected to be lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. Learn what you can do to reduce the burden of cancer.